11 Brands to Shop if You Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

As a girl on a budget, the number one thing I look at when purchasing anything is its price tag. But with talks of banning straws and the impact of global warming all over the news lately, I've also started to really pay attention to what I put in my cart, beyond just the price tag. From reducing the amount of single-use plastics we use to looking for "new" finds at consignment shops, there's so much we can do to reduce our impact on the environment (without having to spend tons of cash). There are also tons of wellness companies out there that have begun to build their brand around creating more eco-friendly products, making our jobs just a tad bit easier. From plastic-free kitchenware to sustainable workout leggings, here are some of our favorite eco-friendly brands to shop if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Bee's Wrap

Plastic wrap may be one of the most wasteful kitchen products out there. You use it once, throw it away, and it's difficult to reuse. The founder of Bees Wrap wanted to make a more sustainable version, and discovered that using ingredients like beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin could create a washable, compostable, reusable plastic wrap. Bonus: With tons of colors and patterns, they're so much more fun to use.

If you, like us, live in your workout leggings, it's time for you to invest in a more sustainable pair. Not only does Girlfriend Collective create activewear from ocean plastic, but the prices aren't any more expensive than most brands—good for your wallet and the planet.

Plastic bags, but make them sustainable. Stasher Bags have quickly become a fan favorite due to their eco-friendly packaging made of pure platinum silicone. They're also washable, reusable, dishwasher-safe, and fridge-friendly!

Can we take a second to give a moment of gratitude for all the women's health brands that have finally paid attention to what's in our tampons?Cora makes tampons with organic cotton (aka free of pesticides and GMOs), and the final product is biodegradable and compostable. Plus, the subscription makes it easy to never run out of period products again.

The yoga-wear company (which also sells more than just workout clothes!) prides itself on selling sustainable activewear using recycled materials and organic ingredients. We especially love that you can filter by "recycled content," "organic," "hemp," "responsible down standard," and more for a simple shopping experience. The brand is also fair trade–certified, so you can ensure your activewear was ethically made.

Once seen as a bit granola, period cups have become more and more mainstream the past few years as women have sought ways to reduce the amount of waste that comes with their period. OrganiCup is made of 100% medical-grade silicone, with no latex, BPA, or dyes, so you can feel good about what's going inside your body and what it's doing for the earth.

Remember that viral commercial that talked about why you should recycle your shampoo bottles? I don't know about you, but it made me stop and think about ways to cut down. Humankind is unique because it doesn't just provide recyclable shampoo bottles; it also gets rid of the need to recycle anything at all. These all-natural shampoo bars come in luscious scents like lemon-lavender and thyme, are made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients, and are ethically made.

L., whose brand packaging promises "world-changing sex" (literally), makes sexual health more sustainable through its certified organic ingredients, BPA-free plastic, and use of recycled paper. It's also made steps to reduce waste by repurposing plastic bottles for some of its packaging.

If you really want to make your period waste-free, Thinx is a great eco-friendly alternative. This period-proof underwear holds up to two tampons' worth, according to the brand, and feels like you're just wearing your everyday briefs. The company also advocates for more access to period products for women and often donates to communities in need.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions. See our full health disclaimer here.